Rainbow Labor member Julie McGlone launches Sunshine Coast campaign

Julie McGlone, Labor’s candidate in the Sunshine Coast seat of Fairfax in the upcoming federal election, will launch her campaign in Coolum Beach tomorrow.

Julie (pictured above, right) has been a member of the Labor party for nearly two decades and says she’s always identified as a proud Rainbow Labor member.

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“Running in a conservative stronghold is a tough gig for anyone – but when you’re an outspoken, left-leaning lesbian, it can be especially challenging,” she said.

“I adore the Sunshine Coast – it’s been home since I moved from Sydney in 2000, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Julie will be joined by Labor MP Linda Burney at her campaign launch on Thursday, which will be held at the Coolum Beach Hotel at 5:30pm at a 6pm start.

In addition to the launch, Julie will also be holding a Concert for Change, a community expo and open day in Tickle Park, next to Coolum Surf Club, for a day of politics and fun on April 28.

Julie says she’s running for election because she believes the people of Fairfax deserve a representative with vision who can provide the region with a plan for sustainable jobs and proper wage growth, decent funding for schools and an assurance of a robust public health system.

“While the Sunshine Coast has been in ‘blue’ hands for too long, I can feel change in the air,” she said.

“I honestly believe that people are over the politics of chaos and fear, the hatefulness that has peppered public discourse under the Liberals.

“Our campaign is going to be based on decency, kindness, inclusiveness and a strong plan for the future.”

Julie lives in Coolum Beach with her wife, Angelika, and their blue heeler Lilly.

The couple, who met in Italy nearly 14 years ago, married last September.

“It was the most amazing day of my life,” Julie said.

“While marriage equality brought a true milestone in the life of LGBTI+ people, there is still much to continue to lobby for in our community.

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“Many LGBTI+ people have been marginalised in all areas of life – no less than economically.

“I will always fight for equity in economic outputs for LGBTI+ people, in areas such as superannuation, aged care arrangements, child care and a whole gamut of social issues around housing, violence prevention, and emergency shelters.